Cigar-filler cutter and charging mechanism.



L. R. GINDRAT.

oma HLLEH CUTTER Aun CHARGING MEcHAmsM.

APFLICATIGN FILED NLY?. HHS. HENEWED AUG. 20. 1918. 1,281,343.

Patented Oct. 15, 1918.

l0 SHEETSSHEET l.

L. R. GINDRAT. @ma mm nume AND cHARGmG MEcHAmsM. APPLICATION FiLED1ULY7.|9|5. HENEWED AUG. 20| l9l8.

Patented Oct. 15, 1918.

SIM/UGM hoz of/@mf l.. R. GlNDRAT. CIGAR FlLlEH CUTTER AND CHARGING MECHANISM. Armcnmu msu mur. 19:5. nenfwzn Aus. 2o. ma.

1,281,343. Patented oat. 15, 191s.

l0 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

54 M0011 boa 'mommy L. R.G1NDRAT.

CIGAR FILLER CUTTER AND CHARGING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION min luLYr. 191s. sznzwsu Aue. 2o. 191s.

1,281,343. Patented Oct. 15, 1918.

I0 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

y L. R. GlNDRAT.

CIGAR HLLER CUTTER AND CHARGING MECHANDSM.

APPLICATIDN FILED iULa' 9|5 BENEWED AUG. 20.19II.

1,281,343. Patented om. 15, |918.

HJ SHEETS-SHEET 6.

L. R. GINDRM.

CIGAR HLLER CUTTER AND CHARGING MEcHAmsM.

APPLICAUGN HLED JULY?, 29H1. RSNEWED AUG. 20. IBIS.

1,281,343. Ratend oct. 15, 191s.

10 SHEETSASHEET I.

L. R. GINDRAT.

CIGAR FILLEH CUHER AND CHARGING MECHANISM.

APPLICATON FILED JULY L l9l5- HENEWED AUG-20.19%.

1,281,343. Patented oen 15, 191s.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

l. R. GINDRAT.

MGM! FILLE!! WWE!! AND CHARGING MECHANISM.

Arnlcmon mi mu 1. Isls. ninzwzu Aus. 2o. ma.

Patented Oct. l5, 1918 I0 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

L. R. GINDRAT.

CIGAR FILLER CUTTER AND CHAHGING MECHANISM.

APPLxcAmN msn Juul. 191s. nsniwzo Aun. 2o. ma.

1,281,343, Patented oen 15, 1918.

I0 SHEETS-SHEET l0. 1.6 Ziqnj UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LOUIS R. GINDRAT, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO THE CIGAR MACHINE CORPORATION OF AMERICA, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND. A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

OIGAR-FILLER CUTTER AN D CHARGING MECHAN ISM.

Application filed July 7, 1915, Serial No. 35,435.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Louis R. Gunnar, a citizen of the United States, residing at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have invented certa-in new and useful Improvemente in Cigar-Filler Cutter and Charging Mechanisms, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a machine for cutting and storing tobacco filler preparatoi-'vr to delivering the Same to automatic feed mechanism of cigar bunching mah chinos, such as shown in my companion application Serial No. 52,623, filed September ln manufacturing cigar bunches by nmchinery, the filler is usually cut to the desired length on a. filler cutting machinerand placed in receptacles, such cans or boxes, from whence it is removed by hand and fed to the bunching machine. lVheu the filler is laid vin the receptacles, after being cut, it becomes more or less disarranged, and in removing the filler to place it manually in the bnnching machine, a Jfurther disarrangement takes place, and more or less of the tobacco is broken or crumpled in rearranging it and feeding it to the bunt-hingr Inachine, the breakage being greater where the tobacco becomes dry by exposure, to the atmosphere, after a considerable period of time in the open receptacles.

In addition to the loss of tobacco resultmel from this method of handling the filler, there is an attendant loss in time and labor ot' even greater importance, all of which are avoided by the use of my invention. Ordinarily, the filler is cui' and placed in a suitable portable receptacle by one operator; another operator removes the filler by hand from the receptacle and arranges it upon the feeding devices of a bunching machine, and a third operator at the delivery end of the bunching machine, places the binders in position to be rolled around the filler. bv the machine, to form the complete bunches. If either operator on the bunching machine is absent tennorarily, the niaehine must be stopped, as oth are required to operate it, and evidently, when both are present, one slow operator Ymay delay the Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 15, 1918.

Renewed August 20, 1918. Serial No. 250,751.

work of the machine and of the other operator.

ln order to overcome the losses in time, labor, and material above mentioned.` as well as to make more uniform einer bunches, I have provided two complementary mechanisms, one, shown in the drawingsl oi" the present application, for cutting the filler to proper lengthsl and for storing it in a spiral layer between belts or webs on a charging reel, which is detachable from the machine, and the other, illustrated in my companion application, Serial No. 52,023, adapted to receive the charged reel and automatically unwind the webs and feed the filler directly therefrom lo the cigar bunching` mechanism.

In operating the machine illustrated in the present application, the operator holds a bundle 0f tobacco leaves in both hands, one hand at each side oi the cutting,r blade, and the blade descends, cutting oil' a bundle ol filler which remains grasped in the operatora hand, and which is then laid b v the operator direct lv upon one of the webs connected to the charging rcel. und this operation is repeated, the successive bundles otl filler being laid in a laver on the web, and the latter being' fed toward the reel. intermittently, at each operation of the cutter. Another web connected to tbe reel is laid upon the layer of filler as it progresses toward the reel, and holds the filler in the position in which it was laid b v the operator on the first mentioned web. Thus. a continuous layer of iller becomes wound on to the reel, between the webs. The webs are long" enough to hold sutlicieut filler for making u arge number of cigar bunches, and when the webs have been entirely wound upon the reel, the latter is removed from the charging machine and placed upon a bunching machine, where the webs are automatically unwound from the reel and the filler is delivered to the bunehing meehanism and made into bunches.

One cutting and charging'Y machine may be used to charge reels for several lnmching machines, or, if it is not desired to make the filler into bunches immediately, the charged reel or reels maj,v be placed in a hnniidor lo keep the filler moist until used for making bunches. As the filler, when on the reel, is protected to a large extent from the drying effect of the atmosphere, it will keep its moisture for a con,--iderable period of time, even if not placed in a humidor, and when fed into the bunching machine there will be less breakage and destruction of the tobacco than Where the ller is stored in open vessels and fed into the machine by hand.

By the use of these mechanisms, reliandling of the filler, after it has been cut, is entirely avoided, with a consequent saving in material and labor, and the production of more uniform bunches, and a further saving in labor is effected by reason of the fact that only one person is required to op erate the bunching machine, the services of the ope 'ator at the feed end of the machine being dispensed with.

In the accompanying drawing, which illustrates the filler, cutting and charging machine,

Figure 1 is a right side elevation of the machine;

Fig. 2 is a left side elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the same;

Fig. 4. is a plan view of the same;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section on the line 5 of Fig. 3 some of the parts being omitted and the spools and charging reel being shown in end View;

Fig. G is a view similar to Fig. 5 on a larger scale, showing the reel tensioning devices in their uppermost positions, and the reel charged with filler, one end of the reel being partly broken away;

Fi 3a is a detail view, further illustrating tie operation of the reel tensioning de- Vices;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged side view of one of the brackets for supporting the feed rolls and one of the spools, the mechanism for pressing the rolls together being also shown;

Fig, 7 is a section on the line 71--7u1 of Fi 0'. 7;

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 8 8 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the charging reel and Fig. 10 is a transverse section through the same;

Fig. 11 is a section on the line 11--11 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a section on the line 12-12 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is an end view of the spindle bearing shown at the left in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 and F ig. 15 are side and end views, respectively, of one of the spools, and Fig. 16 is an end view of the same with. the heads removed and the body partly broken away, showing the Web attaching means;

Fig. 17 is a front view' of the knife head,

and knives, the guide for the head being shown in central section, and the operating shaft and cam being also shown;

Fig. 18 is a section on the line 155-18 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a bottom plan View of the movable knife and a similar view of the key for securing the knife in the head;

Fig. 20 is a plan vieu' of the stationary knife; and,

Fig, 21 is a view showing tobacco leaves cut by the knives.

Referring to the drawing, A indicates the frame of the machine comprising a flat table or bed 1 supported at its ends by standards 2 and 3 which are tied together by suitable cross rods 4. The central portion of the machine is occupied by the detachable charging reel C and web-holding spools B and B the Webs l) and b and the guide rolls and feed rolls for the Webs. The driving and cutting mechanisms are arranged at the right side of the machine and the mechanisms for operating the charging reel and applying tension to the Webs as well as for regulating the feed of the Webs are located at the left side of the machine. In hangers 5 depending from the bed of the machine is journaled a driving shaft 6 having thereon a gear 7 which meshes with a pinion 8 on an electric motor 9, suspended from the bed 1. The shaft 6 carries a sprocket Wheel 10, which is connected by a sprocket chain 11 to a sprocket wheel 12, on a counter-shaft 13, jonrnaled in standards 14 upon the top ofthe bed plate. This counter-shaft carries a small Hy wheel 15, and a pinion 16, secured to thc shaft, meshes with a gear 17. journaled upon a clutch shaft 18, which latter is journ aled in bearings 19 and 20. Upon the clutch shaft is arranged a one-revolution clutch (Figs. 3 and 4) one member, 21, of which is secured to the gear 17, while the other member 22 of the clutch is splined to the shaft 18. The latter member is normally stationary and is manually tripped into en gagement with the member 21, When desired, by means of a pedal 23, connected by a rod 24 to a clutch lever 25. Any suitable form of one-revolution clutch may be employed, the one illustrated in the drawing being like that shown and described in my cci-pending application Serial No. 22,876, tiled April 21, 1915. When the inotor is in operation the shafts 6 and 13 and the clutch gear 17 are constantly driven, and it Will be seen that when the pedal 23 is operated, the clutch member 22 will be tripped into engagement with the clutch member 21, and at the completion of one revolution of the shaft 18, the clutch members will be automatically dis-engaged.

At each operation of the shaft 18, a re ciproeating knife or cutter 26 t Figs. 17 and 18) is moved downward and upward, and cooperates with a stationaiw,y cutter 27 to eut the filler, which is held by the operator between the knives, in the position indicated by dotted outlines 28, in Fig. 3. The movable knife or cutter 26 is secured by set screws 29 and a key 30 to a head 31, which slides in uideways 32 in a guide block 33. The bearlng 19, for the clutch shaft 18, is integral with this guide block and the shaft has upon it an eccentric 34, which fits between cross-pieces 35 on the knife head and operates said head and the knife when the shaft is rotated. The blades of the cutter are serrated as shown in Figs. 19 and 20, so that when the filler is cut its ends will also be serrated, as illustrated in Fig. 21, to provide for tapering the ends of the bunch when the cigar is formed.

As the filler must all be cut to the proper length before it is delivered to the belts or webs, the feeding of the webs is timed to the operation of the cutter, and hence the mechanism for controlling the feed of the webs, which will now be described, is driven from the clutch shaft which operates the cutter. The clutch shaft 18 has secured to it a driving sprocket wheel 36, which is connected by a chain 37 to a Sprocket wheel 38. which latter is secured to a shaft 39, mounted in hangers 40 at the rear of the machine. This shaft provided with a brake. wheel 41, surrounding which is a` spring brake band 42, adapted to apply suflicient braking force to the shaft to stop its rotation subetantiall)Y at, the point in its revolution when the clutch 7e is released. Also secured to said shaft- 39, at its left hand end, is a crank disk 43 having several perforations 4. at different radial distances from the center of the shaft, and a crank pin 44, upon end of a connecting rod 45, is adapted to be fitted into any of the several perforations to var)v the throw of the rod. The other end of the connecting rod is pivoted upon a crank pin 46, which is adjustably mounted upon a lever 47, the latter journaled upon. a shaft 48, which supports the feed roller 49. The shaft 48 is journaled in two similar parallel bearing plates 52, suspended from the bed plate 1. these plates being shown in Fig. 7 and 7a on an enlarged scale. As shown. the lever 47 has a longitudinal slot 47, through which the pin 46 extends, and the pin held in ani7 desired position of adjustment bv means of a clamping nut 46a and a serrated washer 46". vhich latter engages serrations in the side of the lever 47. A spring pressed feed pawl 50, mounted on one edge of the lever 47, engages a ratchet wheel 51 secured to the shaft 48, and a holding pawl 53, pivotcd to one of the plates 52, engages the ratchet wheel 51 and prevents backward rotation of the lsame. It will be understood that with this mnstrucliou. at each revolution of the crank disk 43, the lever 47 will be moved forward and back and the pawl thereon will cause the feed shaft 48 and feed roller t6 be given a movement of definite degree in the direction of the arrow` Fig. 2. The length of this movement may be varied by adjusting the position of the pin 4G with relation to the lever 47, or by setting the pin 44 in a different opening in the disk 43. The brackets or side plates 52 are'provided with bearings 54 for a rock shaft 55, and with annular recesses .i6 on their adjacent faces, concentric with the axis ot' said shaft. Slots or grooves 57 are also formed ou the inner faces 0f the side plates, extending from the annular recesses 56, in line with the axis of the shaft 55 and the axis of the feed roller 49. lVithin the annular recesses 56, and secured to the shaft 55, are eccentrics 58, and within the upwardlvir inclined slots 57 are blocks or bearing pieces 59, which rest against the eccentrics and support at their upper ends a shaft GO, upon which is mounted a pressure roller 61 which bears against the feed roller 49, or the web interposed between said rollers. as hereinafter described. Upon the shaft 55 is secured an arm 62, from which is suspended a weight G3. It will be evident from an inspection of Figs. 5, (S, and 7,

that this weight will. through the medium 'of the eccentrics and movable bearing blocks 59, constantly press the roller 6l tirmlvr against the web b on roller 4E), and insure a positive feed of the web, without slippage, when the roller 49 is turned.

The spool B, for holding the web b, which serves as a feed belt. is detachablv mounted in bearings 65 and G5a in the plates 52, and this web threaded from the spool B, around the pressure roller G1 and between said roller and the roller 49. thence passing horizontallv rearward from the knife over a stationary plate 66 and an idle roller G7, mounted in the bearing )lates 52, and thence downwardlyY over anotlier idle roller GS, mounted in bearings 69, and thence to the winding or charging reel C. which is mounted hereinafter described in the lower part of the machine. The spool ll', which carries the web b, is mounted in bearings in a pair of brackets 70 and 70", secured to the top ot' the bed plate, and the web L passes over an idle roller 71. arranged above the bed plaie of the machine, and thence extends downward over the roller GS. and is counected to the charging reel (l. The two rollers (37 and 71 are spaced apart far enough lo permit the filler f, which is laid upon the web over the plate 66, as shown in Fig. 6, lo feed forward willi said web between the rollers` and as the webs approach one another in passing the roller (i8, the filler is graduallyv compressed between them, and

lll)

llt

carried, between the webs. on to the reel C. ln order to adjust the width of the space or throat betwen the rollers 6T and 71, the, lal ter roller has its shat't mounted in arms T), which are hinged to the brackets 70 and 70, and the arms T2 are adjustable by means ol screws T3 and 73a, arranged at opposite sides oi' the pivotal points of the arms and bearing against the bed oil the machine.

The spools ll and it are alike in construe4 lion. and the bnn-ings for their spindles are. similarly formed. Referring to liigs. lil to lt. iinlusire, which illustrate the construction of one oli' the spools. the body o'lYI the spool comprises a tubular core 74. having` disks 75 at its ends. and the core is provided with suitable means for detaeliably connecting a web thereto. ln Figs. 1l and lll. for this purpose. the core is shown with buttons 7G adapted to be engaged by eyelets in the end of a. rieb. The core oF the spool has a small bore Tit at one end and a larger bore 74h. at the opposite end. and the spindle s is composed ot the two parts S and S1. connected by a threaded joint d'2. The part 81 has a head S1` at one end` litting closely nithin. the bore it". and between said head and the end ot' said bore is interposed a spring 8?. The part 9,1 is also provided with a bearing portion 91". :ulapted to tit into a cylimlrieal bearing Si in the bracket 7W. The part SO of the spindle has a portion 80, fitting elosel y Within the bore T42 and a bearing portion 39h. adapted to fit a bearing Sii in the bracket T0. Thi` healI` ing S has a segment cnt out at the top, learing a slot 85a, and the part 80 of the spindle has a reduced portion 80", the diameter ot which is less than the width ot said slot. The two parts of the spindle are keyed to the core by .eet screws SG and ST. in the core, which extend into slots d and 81d. respectively. in the parts S0 and S1 of thespindle. A

The spindle is also provided with a knob 88, by which it may be grasped. It will be evident. from the. construction described.. that by pulling to the left on the spindle,y in Fig. 1Q. the bearing portions 80h and 81h of the spindle Will be d ratrn out ot their bearings and the reduced portion will be brought into the bearing and this reduced portion can pass through the slot a. the spindle may be readily remoi'ed from the brackets. In replacing the .spool in ifs brackets. the spindle is pulled out until the part 80 is drawn out ot' the core and the bearing porH tion 81 is drawn into the core. and it' the spool is then placed with its in line with the axes of the bearings and the spindle is released. the sprirg u ill torce the snindlc to the right and carir its bearing` portions into the bear-inge. where the spindle will remain locked against accidental removal.

The bearings (S5 and G5, in the plates p one ot its supporting brackets.

52, for receiving the spindle of the spool B, are the same as the bearings Si and 85, the hearing (Sfrl being notched. as clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 7, like the bearing Si. and it will be understood that either spool may be placed in either set of bearings.

Each spool is prevented from turning 'truely by a friction brake arranged upon The brakey y. tor bearing against the upper spool is shown in detail in Fig. 1Q. and the brake for hearing against the lower spool is indicated at y', in Fig. B. These brakes are alike in construction and a description ot the brake 57 will suffice tor both. As shown in Fig. 12; the bracket 70 is provided with a hollow boss 89, within which is arranged a spring pressed plunger 90, having a suitable wearing surface which bears frictionally against the adjacent spool disk. The end ot the boss 99 has a slot 89a, and the plunger has handle 90a. consisting of a straight rod which rests in the slot when the brake is in operative position. In removing or replacing the spool in its bearings, the plunger is moved outwardly against the action ot its spring and the rod then turned at right angles to the slot, and the walls of the slot Will then hold the b ake in its retracted position. permitting the insertion or removal ot' the spool Without interference by the brake.

The charging reel C. as shown in liigs. 8 and 9, has a tubular core or body 91, and the spool is provided at one end with a hub 91?. haring a squared or angular end 92a. The reel is adapted to fit on a shaft 93, which is journaled in hangers 94, depending from the bed of the machine. Upon this shaft is journaled a spring barrel 95, having at one end an angular socket 95, adapted to receive the angular hub on the reel, as shown in Fig. 8. 'Vithin the spring barrel is arranged a spiral spring 96, one end of which attached to the shaft 93. While the other end is secured to the cylindrical wall of the barrel, as shown in Fig. 11. The reel is held in position upon the shaft by a suitable retaining device. such as the nut 97, which allows the reel to turn upon the shaft. t will be seen that with this construction. when the reel is placed upon the shaft and in engagement with the spring barrel. the reel will be yieldingly connected to the shaft through the spiral spring. Upon the shaft is secured a gear 98, which meshes with a gear 99. the latter mounted upon a shaft 100, which is journaled in bearings 101, in the hangers 94. A ratchet lever 10'2 has one end jonrnaled upon the shaft 100. and this lever carries a spring pressed pawl 103. which engages a ratchet wheel 104, secured to the sl'iaft 100. A holding pawl 1051 also engaging said ratchet Wheel, is pivoted to the adjacent hanger 94. It will be evident that Cil a downward movement. of the ratchet lever 102 will cause the gears 99 and 98 to turn, and if the reel C is hcld stationary, tension will be applied to the spring in the spring barrel 95. A main spring 100 is provided for moving the ratchet lever downward. or in the direction to windthe spiral spring 90, and mechanical devices are provided Jfor automatically putting the main spring under tension. As shown in the draw ing. the main spring is connected at one end to the cross bar l, and its opposite end is connected by an eye 107 to the free end of the ratchet lever, this eye being adapted to engage in one of a .series of notches 107a on the upper edge of the lever, in order to vary the leverage as desired.

In orderto apply tension to the main spring, a rock shaft 108, mounted in a hanger 109, is provided with a. short arm 110 having thereon a roller which engages a longitudinal slot 111, in the connecting rod l5, which operates the feed mechanism, and the shaft 108 is also provided with a longer arm 112, to which is pivotally attached a link 113, having a longitudinal slot into which a stud or roller on the ratchet. lever 102 extends.

Normally, the parts just described stand in the positions shown in full lines in Figs. 1, Q, and 5 of the drawing, the stud or roller on the ratchet lever 102 resting in the bottom of the slot in the link 113, the spring 106 being partly stretched. After the operator has placed the reel and the spools in the machine, and before starting to-operate the machine, he gives the reel C several turns manually to apply an initial tension to the spiral spring in the barrel 95. Thereafter this tension is increased to the desired amount and maintained practically constant by the operation of the machine. VEach time the clutch is tripped, the connecting rod 45 makes one complete movement and operates the leed roller 4:9, as before described, to feed the webs forward a short distance. and the reel C takes up the web as it is fed. Ae the connecting rod moves downward and then upward and then downward to its normal position, the arms 110 and 112 and the link 113 are similarly moved. -lVhen the link 113 moves downward, as indicated in dotted lines in Figs. 5 and 6a, its support is taken away from the ratchet lever 102, which will then be pulled down by the main springl 106, unless the tension of the spring in the barrel 95, which acts in opposition to the spring 106, is as great as the tension of the latter spring. At. the commencement of operations, this balanced tension will not usually exist, and therefore, as the link 113 moves down, the springr V106 will pull the ratchet lever 102 downward and this, though the gears 99 and `98, will cause a par tial winding of the spring in the barrel 95. During the upward movement of the link 113, the lever 102 will be carried above the position shown in full lilies in Fig. 5 of the drawing to the position shown in the upper dotted lines in Fig. 5, and in full lines in Fig. 6, and as the link returns to its normal position, the lever 102 will be pulled downward by the springr 106, causing an additional winding of the spiral spring. It will be evident that with repeated operations oi' the driving mechanism, the downward and upward movement of the ratchet lever will continue until the tension of the spiral spring 96 is great enough to supportthc ratchet lever 10Q, against the action of the spring 106, at about the highest point to which said lever can be mechanically raised by the link 113, which position is indicated by the upper dotted lines in Fig. 5, and in Jfull lines in Figs. 6 and Ga. In this position the springs are balanced with the proper tension applied to the reel C. As the teneding of the webs continues, of course` the spiral spring will partly unwind, but this loosening in the tension of the spring is immediately taken up by the operation of the ratchet lever which connnences as soon as the spring 10G pulls said lever below its up permost. position. lVhen the webs are cntirely unwound from the spools B and B', their ends aro released from said spools, the end portion of the web Z1 being still held against movement by the pressure of the roller G1, and the reel is then turned by hand until the ends oi. the webs are wound on the reel, after which a` strap is placed around the webs to hold them and prevent unwinding. The reel is then allowed to turn until the spiral spring is unwound when the full reel and the empty spools are removed and replaced by another reel and spools.

In the operation of the machine, the operator first places the spools, having the webs wound thereon, in their bearings and the charging reel is placed in position upon its shaft. The webs are then threaded around the feed rollers and guide rollers and their ends are attached to the core of the charging reel. The latter is then given several turns by hand in order to wind the spiral tensioning spring enough to cause the rcel to take up the slack in the webs as the latter are :ted forward. The operator, then takes a handful of the tobacco `which is to be cut to form the filler and places it between the knives, as indicated by the dotted lines Q8 in Fig. 3, grasping the leaves with both hands, one at each side of the cutter, and holding one end of the bundle of leaves against a stop 115, which is adjustable toward and from the cutter and determines the length of the filler. The pedal is then operated to trip the clutch and the clutch shaft makes one revolution, causing the knife to sever the bundle of tobacco, leaving the part which is cut off 1n the operators left hand. While the knife is severing the tobacco, the feed mechanism is also operated and the webs are fed forward a short distance. The operator places the filler Which has been cut oif upon the horizontal portion of the web ZJ, which is t en stationary, bet-Ween a pair of adjusta le guide plates 116, and repeats the operation, laying the severed bundles of filler upon the belt in a continuous layer. The spiral spring which turns the charging reel is automat-ically kept under tension, in the manner before described, and as the feed rolls intermittently pay off the Web from the spool B, at each operation of the cutter, the charging reel, constantly pulling on this web, takes it up as fast as it is paid off by the feeding mechanism, and also draws` the web from the spool B. The layer of filler deposited upon the belt b is covered and held in position by the belt b', and is `wound upon the charging reel between the Webs, being more or less compacted as it passes the roller 68 and also by the pressure of the successive coils of the webs upon the charging reel. lhen the webs have been entirely unwound from the spools, their ends are disconnected from the spools and the reel is turned by hand until the ends of the webs are Wound upon the reel, when a strap is passed around the rcel to prevent unwinding of the Webs. The full reel and empty spools are then removed from the machine and the latter is supplied with full spools and an empty reel, and the operation is continued.

The full reel and empty spools are then placed upon a cigar launching machine like that shown in my copending application Serial No. 59,623, and in this machine the Webs are automatically wound on to the empty spools and the filler is delivered to the automatic bunching mechanism. If it is not desired to use the tobacco in the full reel immediately, the reel may be kept in a humidoi` until it is desired to attach it to the bunching machine.

What I claim is:

1. In a filler charging machine, the combmatlon with a reel and a pair of webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the Webs, means for intermittently operating the feed mechanism, and means for applying a constant winding force to the reel.

2. In a filler charging machine, the combination with a reel and a pair of Webs connected to the same. of feed mechanism for one of the webs, a cutter, means for intermittently operating the feed mechanism and cutter` and means for applying a constant winding force to the reel.

3. In a filler charging machine, the combination with a reel and aV pair of webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the Webs, a reciprocating cutter, means forintermittently and simultaneously operating the feed mechanism and the cutter, and means for constantly applying a winding force to the reel.

4. VIn a filler charging machine, the combination with a reel and a pair of webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the webs, means for intermittently operating the feed mechanism, a spring for rotating the reel, and means operated by the machine for applying tension to said spring.

5. In a filler charging machine, the com` bination with a reel and a pair of webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the Webs, means for intermittently operating the feed mechanism, a spring for rotating the reel, and means coacting with the feed mechanism for applying tension to said spring.

6. In a filler charging machine, the combination with a reel and a pair of webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the Webs, means for intermittently operating said mechanism, a winding spring for the reel, a main spring and means operated thereby for applying tension to the Winding spring, and means for intermittently applying tension to the main spring.

7. In a filler charging machine, the combination with a reel and a pair oi Webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the Webs, means for intermittently operating said mechanism, a Winding spring for the reel, a main spring and means operated thereby for applying tension to the winding spring, and means co-acting with the feed mechanism for applying tension to the main spring.

8. In a filler charging machine, the combination with a reel and a pair of Webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the Webs, means for intermittently operating said mechanism, a winding spring for the rcel, a main spring and iatchet mechanism operated thereby for applying tension to the Winding spring` and means for restoring tension to the main spring.

9. In a filler charging machine, the combination with a reel and a pair of webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the Webs` means for intermittently operating said mechanism, a winding spring for the reel, a main spring and means operated thereby for applying tension to the Winding spring, and means for maintaining a definite balanced relation between said springs as the reel Winds.

10. In a filler charging machine, the com bination With a reel and a pair of Webs connected to the same, of feed mechanism for one of the Webs, meane` for intermittently operating Said mechanism, a winding spring for the reel, a main spring and means4 open ated thereby for applying teneion to the Winding spring, means for niaintaininnY a definite balanced relation between s'aid springs as the reel winds, and meane, adinstable at, will, for varying the tensioni hetween said springs.

11. In a filler chargingr machine, a charging reel and means for rotatably monntingr the same. webs connected to Said reel. means for feeding one of said wehe. a rotatable device adapted to engage the reel. a driving member, a Winding .springr connecting' said device with said member. and means YFor operating Said member to wind Said spring.

12. In a filler charging machine. a winding shaft, a chargingr reel detaehahlv mountA ed on the shaft, a Winding epringr connected between Said shaft and reel. ivebs connected to said reel, means tor feeding one o'F said webs, and means Jfor operating' Said shatt` to Wind Said Spring.

13. In a` filler charging` machine. a winding Shaft, a charging reel detach-ably mounted on the Shaft, a device jonrnaled on Said shaft and havin,f r menne for emeaging1r the reel, a windingr Spring connecting' said device with the shaft, Webs connected to said reel. mcans `tor feeding one ot said wehe, and means for operating said shaft to ivind Said Spring.

14. In a filler chargingr machine, a windY ing Shaft. a reel adapted to tnrn thereon. a device jonrnaled on the ahat't' and adapted to interlock with the reel` a Winding! spring connecting` Said device with the shaft, ivehs -connected to said reel. means for feeding' one of said Webs, and means for antoniatieallv turning said Shaft when the tension on Said. spring relaxes to a predeterniincd extent.

15. In a filler chargingr machine. winding' Shaft, a reel adapted to tnrn thereon, a device jonrnaled on the Sha it and adapted` to interlock with the reel; a winding' spring connecting' Said device with the .shaft ivehs connected to Said reel. means for tending one of said Wehe. and means fo automaticallv turning' Said Shaft when the tenfsion on Said spring relaxes to a predetermined extent comprising a ratchet wheel, a ratchet lever for engaging Said Wheel. a` main spring for movinfg` `@aid lever in the direction to apply tension to the windingr .Qpringr and meane operated bv the machine For moving eaid lever in the opposite direction,

16. In a filler charging machine. the combination with a` tiller cutter. a charging' reel. a pair ot' web-holding' epoole and ivehrs connecting Said spools with the reel, of mains operated h v the machine for applying an elastic driving force to the reel. and means: for feeding" one of said wehe a predetermined distance at each operation ot the cutter.

1T. ln a tillcr charging machine, the coinhination with a filler cutter, :l chargzring:r rcel. 3 pair of web-holding spools and wehe connecting said spoole with the rcel, ot' means for t'rictionally rctarding the movements ot the spools, means operated b v the machine for applying an elastic driving Jforce to the reel, and means for feeding one of Paid ivehs a predetermined distance atr each operation of the cntter.

1S. 1n a filler cliaig'itngl machine, the combination with driving means, a clutch Shaft, a reciprocating cntter operable b v Said eliat't. a clntch i'or connecting eaid Shaft to the driving means and 'For disconnect.- ing the same atte-r each operation of the entier, a cliargiIner reel. a pair of wehe connected to Said reel. means operated by said 54h-att for 'feeding one of Said Wehe. and menne. also operated hv said shaft tor applying conetant driving torce to the rcel.

19. la a tillercntter and chargingmachine,

the combination with a cutter. of a charging reel, a pair ot Webs connected to the reel, e'nidinar means tor holdin@` a portion of one ot said ivehs in horizontal position adjacent the enttcr. and means tor winding' eaid wehe on to the reel.

20. ln a tillcr charging' machine, a chargip; reel detachahlv connected to the niachinc, a pair of spools. wells adapted to connect said spools with the reel. f inidincr means to"A said Wehe adapted to lav one web over the other. :1nd menne` For winding` said Webs on to the reel.

itl. ln a tiller charging' machine. a charging' reel dctaehahlj.' connected to the inachine. a pair ot spools detachahlv connected to the machine. .vchs adapted to connect Said epools with the reel. guiding means tor .Qaid ivebs adapted to laiv one nel over the other. and nieanz's tor winding? said ivehs on tio the. reel.

1);). ln a litter charging' machine. the coinhination with a` charging rcel and menne for applying windingr torce to thc saine. of a pair ot webs connected to .Grid rcel. a t'ced roller tor one ot said irehs. a ratchet' lever tor operating the 'tccd roller. a ahiltt. mallS VFor rotat ingr the shat't and means tor stepping the eanic at the completion of cach revointion. and a connecting rod operated hv said eh'itt and connected to said ratchet lever.

12?, ln a liller charging machine. the combination with a charging reel. a winding spring' 'For tornino' the Same. and ratchet mechanism and a` main springr tor applyingr teneion to the Windingr spring. oi webs eonncetci'l to said reel. mean.; ior YFeeding Said ivehs comprieing an intermittentlv movable connecting rod and a crank for operatimgr the` same, and a device operable bv said rod and havin a sliding connection with the ratchet mee mnism, for operating the latter.

2l. ln a filler charging machine, the Conlbinntion with a charging reel, Webs con- F: neeted thereto and means for rotating the reel comprising a ratchet lever, of feeding means for the webs, :t rocker movable with said feeding meansr` :t link constituting a lost-motion connection betnmel'i the rocker und ratchet lever, and a main spring connected to the ratchet lever.

25. In a filler charging machine, the combination with a charging reel, Webs connected thereto and means for rotating the reel comprising a rate-het lever, of feeding 15 igor connecting the same to the ratchet lever 20 at different distances from its fulcrum.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my Si gnature.

LOUIS R. GINDRAT.

Copies o! this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

